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 Why I didn’t allow anyone to carry my baby, Maria Chike speaks amid postpartum depression Reality TV star, Maria Chike Benjamin, has shared her struggles with postpartum depression. In a recent episode of her podcast, Mums Next Door, Maria revealed that her family thought she was losing her mind after childbirth. She said: “‘I didn’t let anyone carry my baby and at some point, I was irritating everyone. My family thought I was mentally not okay.”

 TROOPS FOIL KIDNAP ATTEMPT IN DELTA STATE, RESCUE PASSENGERS In a remarkable display of bravery, troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for internal security duties successfully thwarted a kidnap attempt by a suspected terrorist group along the Ughelli-Patani Road in Delta State. The troops' swift response to a distress call resulted in the rescue of passengers who had been kidnapped while traveling in a commercial bus. The troops upon receiving the distress call, rapidly mobilized and confronted the terrorists, who were armed with assorted weapons. A fierce firefight ensued, compelling the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee the scene. The rescued passengers have been taken into safe custody, where they are receiving necessary care and support. Meanwhile, the troops are currently pursuing the fleeing terrorists. Watch video below. 

 EFCC’s  Akure Arrests :  Setting the Records Straight    Arising from the misinformation and distortion of facts about the arrest of 127 suspected internet fraudsters by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, June 8, 2024, it becomes imperative to clearly present  the true facts of the operation.    The Operatives executed a classical sting operation at two Clubs simultaneously in Akure based on credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of the suspected fraudsters. The operation, in line with the established ground norm for such engagement, was devoid of any incident as the Operatives conducted themselves professionally.   It was therefore shocking to be confronted with narratives particularly from the social media about brutalisation, including a trending video of two ladies showing bodies lacerated by whips. The Commission wants the public to discountenance this video a...

 Kamala Harris mourns death of Palestinians in raid that rescued 4 Israeli hostages Vice President Harris mourned the Palestinians who were killed in a successful Israeli hostage rescue operation this weekend during an address delivered Saturday. The Israeli operation retrieved four hostages who were taken into Gaza by Hamas on Oct. 7. Harris, speaking before the Michigan Democratic Party, celebrated their retrieval but spent more time lamenting the deaths of Palestinians killed in the operation, many of whom Israel has described as terrorists. "Before I begin, I just say a few words about the morning which I know weighs heavily on all of our hearts," she said. "On Oct. 7, Hamas committed a brutal massacre of 1,200 innocent people and abducted 250 hostages," she continued. "Thankfully, four of those hostages were reunited with their families tonight. And we mourn all of the innocent lives that have been lost in Gaza, including those tragically killed today....

 Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz quits Netanyahu's emergency government Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz has quit Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency government, saying the prime minister was making "total victory impossible."  In announcing his resignation Sunday, Gantz said the government needs to put the return of the hostages seized Oct. 7 by Hamas "above political survival." A centrist member of Israel's three-man war Cabinet and former military chief, Gantz joined Netanyahu's government shortly after the Hamas attack in a show of unity. His presence also boosted Israel's credibility with its international partners because of Gantz’s good working relations with U.S. officials. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

 Boxing star Ryan Garcia arrested on felony vandalism charge in Beverly Hills Boxing star Ryan Garcia was arrested in California on Saturday more than a month after his majority decision victory over Devin Haney. Garcia was arrested on a felony vandalism charge after a Beverly Hills hotel accused him of causing around $15,000 worth of damage, a Beverly Hills Police Department watch commander told ESPN. He was reportedly arrested outside the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. Garcia’s lawyer, Darin Chavez, told ESPN that Garcia could also face a public intoxication charge. The boxer was taken to a hospital after complaining of an issue after his arrest.  "Ryan has been open about his struggles with mental health over the years, and at this time he is dealing with an immense emotional burden," Chavez said, adding Garcia recently lost his mother. "The support and understanding from fans and the public are crucial as he navigates these personal challenges.  "We are working ...

 Lagos State Government will subject the Draft Report on the Review of Badagry Master Plan(2022-2024) to public scrutiny from Wednesday 19th June to Friday 26th July 2024. The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire disclosed this in a statement issued at the weekend. He said that the 28-day public inspection of the Draft Plan across various centres, mainly within the Badagry division of Lagos State, would allow stakeholders to review its proposals and make relevant comments to further enrich the Plan. The Permanent Secretary stated that subjecting the draft report to public scrutiny was part of the acclaimed process of preparing an inclusive Plan, which is also in tandem with the State’s culture of Citizen’s participation in the preparation of Physical Development Plans. The inspection venues, which are 13 in all, include the Local Government/Local Council Development Area Secretariat within the Badagry division of the State, local planning offices w...

 Terrorists Abduct Catholic Priest In Southern Kaduna Terrorists have abducted the presiding priest of St. Thomas Parish, Zaman Dabo Community, in the Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Rev. Father Gabriel Ukeh. According to report, the parish priest was said to have been abducted at the parish rectory in the early hours of Sunday. The Vicar General (Pastoral), Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kazah, disclosed this on Sunday in a press statement. He said, “While we solicit for fervent prayers for his urgent and safe release, we equally condemn this act of incessant kidnappings for ransom of innocent and defenceless citizens of our communities, and we call upon the government to horn its security intelligence as we approach the celebration of Sallah. “As we work with security operatives for his quick release, we wish to call on all to stay away from taking the laws into their hands. We will use every legitimate means to ensure that Fr. comes back to us safe and sound. “Through the ...

 “ Nigeria is the most beautiful African country I’ve visited .  How comes they don’t show this on media “ ? Central Cee “ Been in lagos and I’m seeing crazy cars , crazy houses , visited the club and the nightlife is crazy .  I bet some people don’t know these places exist .  You give someone 200 pounds and they be so grateful and I’m like damm I’ll love to live here . Can’t wait to show you all what me and Asake are working on “ But jokes aside , Nigeria and South Africa are the most beautiful African countries in terms of development. They are far ahead . Ghana and Cameroon can follow in any other .

 MY FIRST SHOCKER AS GOVERNOR - ALIA 9th June, 2024      Our elites, some of who campaigned with me fought against payment of salaries and pensions because of what they were expecting. I had no official car for 9 months, I don’t take salaries. Sacrifices must be made to serve our people Hyacinth Iormem Alia, a Catholic Priest, is the Governor of Benue State. In this interview to mark his first anniversary in office, the All Progressives Congress APC politician explains how he and his team had to forego some perquisites of office in order to pull the state from the brinks and thrust it on the path of sustainable profitability. Alia speaks on why he has refused to collect salaries for the past one year, how his car broke down somewhere after Akwanga in Nasarawa state on his way to Abuja, having refused to procure new official vehicles in his first nine months in office. The governor also exposes those behind insecurity in the state and explains what he has been doing t...

 ICPC Case: Immigration Officer Bags 7-Year Jail Term for Passport Fraud The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of one Mr. Quadri Ismail Adeyinka, a staff of the Nigeria Immigration Service for committing a travelling passport fraud. The Commission had arraigned the convict before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja on a four-counts charge bordering on gratification, conferment of corrupt advantage and cheating contrary to extant provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and the Penal Code Act. Counsel to the ICPC, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha had in the course of the trial led evidence before the court on how Mr. Adeyinka defrauded one Mr. Ovie Justice Ojeffia under thpretencese of regularizing the latter’s international passport. Adeyinka was said to have received the sum of N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) from Ojeffia to regu...

 Haiti’s new prime minister hospitalized days after being sworn in Haiti’s new prime minister, Garry Conille, was hospitalized late Saturday in the capital of Port-au-Prince, AP reported. It wasn’t immediately known why Conille was hospitalized. In a statement posted to social media Saturday night, the prime minister's office said that Conille was taken to a hospital Saturday afternoon after feeling unwell following a week of "intense activities," describing him as being in stable condition.  Conille was chosen as prime minister on May 28 after a convoluted selection process. He arrived in Haiti on June 1, having worked outside the country until recently as UNICEF’s regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, a post he assumed in January 2023. He previously served as Haiti’s prime minister from October 2011 to May 2012 under then-President Michel Martelly. He faces the monumental task of alleviating the crises devastating the poorest country in the Western Hemi...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES NEW LEADERSHIP FOR NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CLIMATE CHANGE In accordance with his commitment to actualize Nigeria's green industrial vision, boost investor confidence, and unlock sustainable economic value through various climate finance instruments, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in interim capacity, pending the confirmation of her appointment by the NCCC Supervisory Council. The President has also approved that Dr. Maduekwe, 39, who holds a Bachelor of Law degree; a Master’s degree in Environmental Law & Policy from the University of Dundee (UK), and a Doctorate degree in Law from the University of Hull (UK), is to serve as the Co-Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP). Dr. Maduekwe has over 15 years of national and international exp...

 Original 'American Idol' winner Kelly Clarkson reveals if she'd return after quitting rival show 'The Voice' - Easiest way to make 30k a month - link in bio Three short weeks ago, "American Idol" said goodbye to Katy Perry, leaving a vacant space on the judge's panel alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Since she announced her departure earlier this year, fans and the media alike have speculated about who might take Perry's coveted position.  Original "Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson was asked if she'd have a full-circle moment and return to the show as Perry's replacement. Clarkson was a coach on rival competition show "The Voice" from seasons 14 through 21 before taking a short break. She made a brief return for season 23 last year. 'AMERICAN IDOL' JUDGE KATY PERRY WANTS JELLY ROLL TO REPLACE HER ON SHOW "No. No. I can't do that, only because I promised my kids. I was like, 'I wanna be there as muc...

 Prolific London child abuser Muhammad Talukdar jailed 14 years     Muhammad Talukdar, 51, a prolific child abuser, has been jailed for 14 years by the Snaresbrook Crown Court for sexually abusing a female child. Talukdar, 51 of Ballance Street, Bath, was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 31 May. According to the Met Police, Talukdar began sexually abusing the victim in 1998 when she was just eight years old in Tower Hamlets, east London. The police said specialist officers began investigating in 2020 and that despite having no DNA evidence or recent witness accounts to help strengthen the investigation, officers remained determined to build a case against Talukdar. The police said they carried out extensive interviews with friends and family of the victim as part of their enquiries and gathered detailed medical records to show the extent of abuse, as the victim also gave permission for notes from her counselling sessions to be shar...

 EPL: Don’t sack Ten Hag – Van Gaal tells Man United Former Manchester United manager, Louis van Gaal has urged the Red Devils not to sack current head coach Erik ten Hag. Van Gaal wants Manchester United to give Ten Hag more time at Old Trafford. Ten Hag’s future at Man United is uncertain despite winning the FA Cup last season. There have been speculations that Man United could part ways with Ten Hag this summer. “Yes of course (he should stay) but I also needed more time. I also won the FA Cup, and before me, 20 years nobody had won the FA Cup. Erik is winning the FA Cup, the first year also (qualifying for the) Champions League so I don’t think you have to sack him. He needs more time,” Van Gaal, who managed Man United from July 2014 to May 2016, told Sky Sports. “But I can also be more critical, he’s not done it fantastically, you can be with a lot of criticsm but he’s also shown he’s a good manager.”

Parents demand justice over mysterious death of daughter in boyfriend’s house The parents of a 22-year-old female nurse, Ginika Judith Okoro, who died in the house of her boyfriend, Charles Ndukwu, in Ezeogba, Awaka, Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State, have called on the Nigeria Police and state government to unravel the cause of the mysterious death of their only daughter. Speaking to newsmen in Owerri, the mother of the late nurse, Mrs. Caroline Nneji, said the deceased died when she visited Charles. “My only daughter died last Sunday when she visited a young man called Charles. My only daughter who was 22 years old was raised by us. “She has a chemist shop where she treats patients, and you know as a nurse she goes to patients’ houses sometimes to treat them.  “This fateful Sunday, she visited a young man and died in his house. Read Also: Defend justice, judicial autonomy, Shettima urges lawyers “My only eye has gone. What sin did I commit that cannot be forgiven?” Mr...

 Tompolo to youths: join Tinubu to salvage Nigeria  …as APC youths commend ex-freedom fighter for protecting oil pipelines Former freedom fighter and chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a k.a Tompolo, has tasked Nigerian youths to join President Bola Tinubu in salvaging the nation. Tompolo spoke when the All Progressives Congress (APC) national youth wing presented him awards for safeguarding critical national assets, as well as empowering youths across the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. Expressing gratitude to the APC youths for the recognition, Tompolo said: “I thank all of you very much for leaving your various places and traveling to Oporoza here. It’s not an easy task. I believe you would have read in different newspapers that Tompolo is fighting illegal bunkering. Yes, crude oil is the only source of survival in this country, and 90 percent of our people, in one way or the other, are involved in illegal bunke...

 Super Eagles focused on Benin, says Finidi  Super Eagles head coach Finidi George said they have put behind them Friday’s 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana of South Africa, and focusing on their next opponent Republic of Benin. Looking for their first win of the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, Nigeria could only limp to a lame 1-1 draw against the visiting Bafana Bafana. He said during the post-match interview: “We started sloppy in the first half, we took over the game immediately we scored in the second half. We missed chances; overall it was not a bad second half for us. The players reacted well in the second half, but it was not the best result we wanted, we have to get our heads up and work for the next game (Benin Republic). I am not happy about the point.” Nigeria will next trade tackles with the Benin Republic on Monday, in what is a reunion with former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr. Rohr’s Benin boast four points from three games, one better than Nigeria’s tally from ...

 Katsina grants N45,000 Sallah bonuses to each civil servant Katsina state government on Sunday, June 9, splashed N45,000 as bonus to the state’s civil servants for the fourth coming Muslim Eid-el-Kabir celebrations next week. The N45,000 package which was approved by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for each worker in the state’s civil service,contains N15,000 gift and  N30,000 as soft loan. The loan is repayable in three monthly instalments The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, in a statement also disclosed that the governor commended the workers’ dedication and commitment, describing the gesture as part of the administration’s commitment to their welfare The fovernor said further: “The Sallah package is aimed at supporting workers during the festive season and acknowledging their contributions to the state’s development,”  “This gesture is a token of appreciation for the workers’ dedication and hard work in serving the state. “As we are about t...

 National flag’s designer Taiwo Akinkunmi will be given befitting burial, says NICO The management of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has asserted that the designer of Nigeria’s national flag, late Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi would be given a befitting burial. Akinwunmi who designed the Nigerian flag died 10 months ago. NICO’s decision, according to a statement followed the cry of the family. There is a trending news on social media platforms over the seeming neglect of the burial arrangement of the late national hero. The statement which was signed by Caleb Nor, media aide to NICO Executive Secretary, Biodun Ajiboye, said it was not possible for President Bola Tinubu to abandon the national hero. The statement reads: “As a caring government under the listening leadership of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and in line with what seems contradictory to our culture, the Institute has stepped in with a sincere interest to uphold our culture and obliterat...

 Adelabu seeks enhanced local content in power sector The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has called for the enhancement local power production capabilities in light of the challenges faced by existing power generation facilities. Adelabu made the call during his tour of Coleman Cables and Wires facility in Arepo, Ogun State on Friday. He highlighted ongoing efforts to enact legislation aimed at promoting local content in the power sector, thereby fostering greater involvement of manufacturers in power projects across federal agencies under the Ministry of Power. Expressing solidarity with manufacturers, Adelabu assured them of the Federal Government’s support for their endeavours. Having visited nearly 80 per cent of power generation and distribution companies, he said he has gained firsthand insight into their operational challenges and affirmed their capacity. “Providing leadership as a power minister does not stop at just sitting in your office in Abuja. You must be able to...

 Senate should be scrapped – Aisha Yesufu A renowned rights activist, Aisha Yesufu has called for the scrapping of the Nigerian Senate to reduce the cost of governance. Yesufu, Co-founder of the Bring Back Our Girls Movement, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos. She was reacting to calls in some quarters that the country should jettison the bicameral legislature(two-chamber National Assembly) and adopt a unicameral legislature to reduce the cost of governance. The activist said Nigeria could, alternatively, consider the re-introduction of the parliamentary system of government to reduce the heavy funds spent on the National Assembly. According to her, until something is done about the cost of running the government and corruption, Nigerians will not feel the dividends of democracy. “We need to really and critically examine our democracy and look at what fits us and serve the ordinary people and the masses. The one that will not be ...

 Primate Ayodele blasts governors for rejecting N60,000 minimum wage The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Sunday accused state governors of being heartless following their rejection of the N60,000 minimum wage proposal and offering N57,000 as the amount they can approve. Primate Ayodele said Nigerian governors are heartless and inhumane for failing to improve the lives of workers. He noted that the proposed N57,000 is insufficient to cope with the hardships in the country. In a statement by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, the prophet revealed that the inadequate wages workers receive are contributing factor to the persistence of insecurity in several states of Nigeria. He called on governors to review the payment for workers instead of frustrating efforts to improve their lives. According to Ayodele: “Our governors are heartless. Paying N57,000 as a minimum wage in this present time is like punishing workers because there is serious hardship ...

 SECURITY IN FCT: POLICE STORMS BANDITS' HIDEOUTS, ARREST SUSPECTS, DISLODGES CAMPS. ...as CP intensifies coordinated operations in suspected bandits routes and camps. The operatives of the FCT Police command, in synergy with the special forces of guards brigade and DSS hunters, in a continued effort against criminality in FCT, on June 7, 2024, at about 10:00 am, acting on credible intelligence, stormed some identified kidnappers camps at Gidan Dogo and Kweti Forest, Kaduna State, bordering FCT, trailed and arrested four suspects: Yahaya Abubakar, 25 'm' of Mpape, Mohammed Mohamed 32 'm' of Zuba( an ex-convict), Umar Aliyu 20 and Nura Abdullahi 32 also an ex-convict at Kubwa and Zuba hills respectively. The suspects freely confessed to being members of a notorious bandit syndicate with the name 'Mai One Million', responsible for a series of kidnappings and other heinous crimes in FCT and its environs. The coordinated operation, occasioned a shootout between ...

 ‘I left my marriage because I was providing more than my  ex-husband’ – Yvonne Jegede Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede has revealed that she walked out of her marriage because she was contributing more financially than her ex-husband. In 2019 Jegede confirmed the crash of her marriage to actor Olakunle ‘Abounce’ Fawole, barely a year after they tied the knot. Speaking in the teaser of the upcoming episode of ‘The Honest Bunch’ podcast, the thespian said she regretted choosing love instead of money. She stated that her ex-husband taking every joke as disrespect because he was older than her was also part of the reason for their divorce. She said: “He [my ex-husband] is eight years older than me. But the moment we got married, if I tell am say, ‘You dey crease, ‘ he would say I’m disrespecting him. I would if it was the same person I got married to. “But that wasn’t the main reason I left the marriage. Let me just say the fact, I was bringing more of the money. I’m taking care o...

 Amaechi: Fubara only popular because he’s anti-Wike    Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation, says he will not take sides in the rivalry between Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers, and Nyesom Wike. Fubara succeeded Nyesom Wike, who is the current minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), as governor in May 2023. He was the accountant-general under Wike and had his support during the governorship election, but both men fell off shortly after Fubara assumed office. The rift between Fubara and Wike has polarised the Rivers house of assembly. In December 2023, 27 members of the assembly loyal to Wike defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking when he paid a visit to Okorinama West, a leader of the APC in Port Harcourt on Friday, Amaechi, who was also governor of the state from 2007 to 2015, said he would   support either Fubara or Wike. Amaechi further said Fubara is only popular becau...

 Nigerian Teenagers ‘Trafficked’ To Ghana For ‘Prostitution’ Rescued Over 10 Nigerian teenage girls allegedly trafficked to Ghana for prostitution have been rescued, says the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.  The girls, all under the age of 18, were reportedly lured from Nigeria to Ghana by a nameless man who has now been arrested by the police in neighbouring West African country. According to the NIDCOM boss, the girls were rescued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), an umbrella association for Nigerians living in Ghana. In a viral video which showed the girls after they were rescued, a NIDO official was heard saying, “We just rescued all these ones from one single person, innocent Nigerian children that were brought here to do what they wouldn’t have wished do to. “They are helpless. They picked them and send them to do prostitution and they would be collecting money from these innocent children.” The NIDCOM bos...

 Tinubu Names Abuja Roads After Chinua Achebe, JP Clark President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, named roads in the Guzape District Lot II of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after two literary giants — Chinua Achebe and John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo. President Tinubu made this known at the inauguration of engineering infrastructure in Guzape District Lot II. In his speech, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, appealed to the President to name major roads in Guzape District after the two literary giants. The President subsequently approved the minister’s proposal and pronounced the roads as the Chinua Achebe and JP Clark’s during his commissioning. Achebe was born on November 16, 1930  and died on March 21, 2013. He was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic. His evergreen novel, Things Fall Apart, remains a classic for literature enthusiasts across the globe. JP Clark, a Nigerian poet and playwright, lived from April 6, 1935 to October 13, 2020. His d...